JOURNEY MOST TREACHEROUS ( DAY 23, LETTER J)

CHAPTER 22

JOURNEY MOST TREACHEROUS

The plan was set. With a departure set before daybreak they would easily avoid the pig patrols, reaching Mistwood Shadow Glade before the Mighty Boar knew their agenda.

As they filed out to grab minimal winks of sleep that wouldn’t come, the crystal apple sat alone in the dark, throwing tiny red constellations across the ceiling in the library. Watching. Waiting.

They packed ammo for the battle of the ages.

"Mistwood Shadow Glade is three days away.

Day one: Cross the dell before twilight or the pig scouts sniff out your wake.

Day Two: Skirt around the Bone Fields. Better still, avoid it altogether! We take shortcuts through low lying rivers. Water hides our scent.

Day three: Reach the fringes of the Mistwood Shadow Glade. Keep the shards from getting activated along the way. No fires after dusk. No shouting. No—"

"No breathing loud?" Chipper cut in, his grin brittle.

"No dying," Papa said flatly. "Mistwood Shadow Glade guardians are formidable. We need them as allies to track the Locke Jewel and fight against the Mighty Boar of Xaringmere Cragg Rise."

Papa Koala stood at the door before the first light streaked across the meadow. He said, "The Apple stays here with Coco and Tasha. If we take it along, the Boar will sense us coming even before we depart these Bramble Shire Woods."

"Then how—" Goldwynn started.

"We don’t take all the shards with us," Papa said. “We decode the cipher given by the guardians of the Glade. The apple will come when it’s time." Papa Koala was cryptic.

He pressed the scroll into Goldwynn’s palms. Goldwynn flinched. "No turning back, come what may”, she said through gritted teeth.

The Knights Army set out with brawn, brain, wit, agility, courage and a mission. So much was at stake. Behind them, Meadow Brook Cottage grew smaller and smaller as Coco and Baby Tasha in her arms waved them goodbye. From the library window, the crystal apple caught the first pale rays and threw it back in seven directions.

Somewhere far off, a boar grunted awake. The wind changed in intensity and a distant rumble sounded in the skies above the woods.

***

Hopper was on edge. "The Shadows’ lair is nestled in the darkest parts of the woods. Rumor says they seek the truth as price in exchange for assistance."

Chipper snorted."What’s our truth worth?" Papa Koala murmured with a distant look in his eyes, "Depends what we’re willing to lose."

****

To Be Continued...

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This post is part of the Blogchatter A2Z Challenge 2026.

https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogrolls/journey-most-treacherous-day-23-letter-j

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